2014 marks a year of milestones for South African Airways and for South Africa. The airline celebrates its 80th anniversary and 45 years of service between South Africa and the United States, while the country marks 20 years of democracy since the election of Nelson Mandela as its first democratically elected president. These milestones make 2014 an ideal time for business and leisure travelers to visit the Rainbow Nation on Africa’s most awarded airline—offering fast, comfortable, and convenient service to South Africa.
For a decade, South African Airways has been honored as Best Airline in Africa by Global Traveler, earning a place in the magazine’s Hall of Fame. Travelers consistently praise SAA for its Skytrax 5-star comfort-rated 180-degree flat-bed seats, luxurious bedding, power ports, and individual on-demand audio/visual entertainment systems. Carefully curated dining features menus from South African chefs and a selection of the country’s finest wines, chosen from hundreds of options. Attentive in-flight service and a wide range of onboard comforts mean passengers can work productively, relax, or get a proper night’s rest.
With two daily flights from the United States to Johannesburg, South African Airways provides the most frequent service between the two countries. Codeshare partnerships with United, US Airways, JetBlue, and Air Canada deliver convenient connections from cities across North America. As a member of Star Alliance, SAA also allows frequent-flyer program members of partner carriers to earn and redeem miles on its flights.
SAA operates a daily non-stop morning service from New York (JFK) and an afternoon direct service from Washington, D.C. (IAD) to Johannesburg (via Dakar, Senegal). From its Johannesburg hub, the airline offers efficient connections to more than 20 cities within South Africa and over 20 additional destinations across Southern and East Africa. Popular domestic and regional destinations include Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Kruger National Park, Windhoek in Namibia, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, and Nairobi in Kenya.
Luxurious and thoughtfully appointed lounges enhance the travel experience during layovers. Business-class passengers have lounge access in New York and Washington, D.C. In South Africa, the Baobab Lounge—available at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) and select cities such as Cape Town and Durban—offers full business amenities, meal and beverage service, and runway views. Facilities include rainfall showers and snooze rooms so travelers can refresh before departure. The Arrivals Lounge in Johannesburg provides a convenient spot to shower and enjoy meals and beverages after international flights, ideal for travelers preparing for meetings or sightseeing.
All South African Airways flights at OR Tambo International Airport operate from the modern Terminal B, which features international-standard shopping and dining options. Terminal B offers a variety of restaurants and retail choices to suit diverse tastes, ensuring passengers have ample ways to relax or shop before boarding—whether they spend time in the Baobab Lounge or explore the terminal.
Business travelers are encouraged to combine work with the chance to explore South Africa’s highlights. From Johannesburg, Pilanesberg and Kruger National Parks are reachable within a few hours and offer renowned safari experiences and luxury lodges. From Cape Town, the historic Cape Winelands—Franschhoek and Stellenbosch—are about a 20-minute drive away, presenting scenic vineyards and charming towns. The Cape Peninsula offers dramatic coastal scenery and unique flora and fauna. South Africa’s diverse cultural influences also create a rich culinary scene, with vibrant dining options that engage all five senses.
The best way to experience South Africa, whether for business or pleasure, is with South African Airways. With eight decades of experience, SAA has deep expertise across the continent. To join the celebration and fly with one of Africa’s most awarded carriers, consult your travel professional, call 1-800-722-9675, or visit the airline’s website.